And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, the land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. Numbers 13:30-33

While reading the scriptural text for this morning, a phrase we often use came to mind, “Whose report will you believe?” Certainly, I would hope to always believe the report of the Lord. However, sometimes I have been known to lean to my own thinking and understanding. Sometimes, even listened to the advice of others instead of following God’s directives or allowed myself to see only how big my circumstances were and not God being in control of my circumstances regardless of its magnitude. I’m sure you know that it profited me nothing. We are not to put our confidence, trust or faith in ourselves or in man, it should only be in God because He will never lead or guide us wrong, nor fail us. This is definitely a lesson that we can learn from the children of Israel today.

This passage of scripture find us with the Lord telling Moses to send a leader from each tribe to go up into the mountain where they can see all of Canaan, peep out the land and bring back a report of what they have observed. This commandment from the Lord would prove to be a test of their faith and trust in His promise to give them the land. If you read the entire passage, you’ll find the report came back with the positive feedback first. The men Moses sent said, “the land is flowing with milk and honey and plenty of fruit” and as instructed, they brought back some of the fruit from the land; clusters of grapes, pomegranates, and figs. They were happy about what they had accomplished and what had been asked of them. I’m assuming them mentioning their good work and the following of his commands would appease or soothe him before the word of doubt was spoken. They followed this by saying, “nevertheless or despite all the good, there are some huge looking folks over there, the city is surrounded by enormous walls, and we saw the children of Anak, standing strong and mighty. Can you imagine? If the people were giants, visualize how the walls must have looked to them.

Now, the descendants of Anak were considered strong and tall and they were known to have been a mixed race of giant people. Although they might have looked intimidating, frightening, and apparently unnerving to the natural eye, the tribe leaders should have remembered who God was and how He had brought them through the wilderness, they didn't. Even when Caleb stilled or quieted the people before Moses, the scripture said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it, the men that went with him just didn’t see it as he did. They were very clear in saying, oh no, we’re not able to go up against these people because they are stronger, and much bigger than we are. They saw obstacles and opposition instead of opening and opportunity, not to mention, believing and standing on God’s word; let God be true but every man a liar (Romans 3:4). When the others heard this report, they began crying, murmurring and complaining, why Lord, why? You know how we do. As the children of God, we also allow the “giants of life” to deter or keep us from getting to the promise of God. We’ve got to know that God’s Word is sure and if He said it, then it will come to pass. That’s guaranteed! We have to put our faith and our trust in Him.

How do we look at ourselves? How do we see our circumstances or our situations? Large or small? God is bigger than anything we could possibly face or going through. No matter what it is, trust, believe and obey God. Take Him at His word. He has His eye in every place, wherever you are, He is, what every you are going through, He is there. He has made a provision and a way of escape for everything. It may not come like you want it or the way you thought or in your timetable, but He is always faithful and just to do just what He said and He's timely. It is only a test of your faith, and your trust level is established. God is counting on you to have the spirit of Caleb. We can go up at once, immediately, and possess it; whatever it is, for we are well able to overcome it because God has made us able. That’s it and that says it all! We are able because God is able and if we trust and believe that we are of God, walking in the will of God. Sometimes, God will show us a way, and because of the false evidence appearing real, we get scared and back down. He did not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Walk in it!

So, what are you feeling today, like a giant or the grasshoppers? If you feel small in your own eyes, unfortunately, that is what others will see. Have that giant stature, stand tall and walk in the power and authority we’ve been given because we are well able to overcome anything that looks to be an obstacle keeping us from what God says we can have … whose report will you believe? I’m going to stand tall and walk in the spirit of Caleb and possess all that God has promised for me!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 11 Tim 1:8-13

While I was writing this question, I had a memory of an incident in Sunday School, go with me: A question was asked by the teacher and a response was given in the form of a question back to the teacher and the question was then repeated back by the teacher and again, the question was restated by the person with an "I'm asking you the question." Okay, it really was a "you had to be there moment." As hilarious as it was at that moment, it made me think. Perhaps people really don't understand, grasp, or take the time to delve into Word as to why we are here or our purpose while here. The scripture tells us with all thy getting, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

So, what about the Kingdom, you might ask? I’d have to say – it's all about the Kingdom of God and certainly not about us! It’s an eye opener when we stop to think about what’s going on in our lives and come to a realization that it really is not about us. We go on about our way with our own personal agendas, plans, schedules, list of to-dos, and itineraries daily without sometimes thinking on the things of God, His purpose for our life or that we should be consulting Him about what He has for us to do as we start each day. And then there is our complacentness in our actions and our thinking. We church on Sunday, just enough to get by – not seen oftentimes in Bible study, and although we might show up even for Sunday school, it’s apparent that studying to show thyself approved unto God and not man has not taken place by the questions asked or the answers given or even in our silence (2 Tim 3:14-15). We have to know, as well as understand why we are here and that we have purpose and come to the realization that we are not just here taking up space on the earth; like everything else, God created us for a specific purpose because we have been predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (Eph 1:3-14).

This message, so eloquently written by Paul, is exhorting Timothy to improve in his spiritual gifts and walk in what he had been taught. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Be diligent in the work that you've been called to do; giving over our total self, mind, body and soul to the work of the Lord. The same messge comes to us today. What we deem or consider important according to the work of the Lord is not important if it does not line up with the Word or what God has purposed. We find ourselves busy in the church but not really doing the work of the Lord by which we’ve been called. Yes, it is all about the Kingdom and not about us or what we consider works of righteousness. In Titus 3, it speaks of how we were once thoughtless and senseless, stubborn, disobedient, deceived, misguided, and misled. How we were slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our time and our days in malice, jealousy, and envy; being hateful and hating one another, even though these things ought not to be in the church (I’m not going to touch that today, amen?). It also so tells us, BUT, when the goodness and lovingkindness of God, our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy and by the washing of regeneration (new birth according to 2 Cor 5:17), and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He so richly poured upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, oh, talk about the ministry of reconciliation!

The concept here is when we say yes to salvation, our own works have nothing to do with the persuading of God’s call for service. He didn’t choose us because of our works but according to His eternal and divine purpose. He has called us to work, to win souls to the Kingdom, bring those who are lost into the knowledge of eternal hope. Even in that work, we find ourselves walking worthy in that which we have been called to do. Let’s continue to hold fast to what has been assigned to our care as the servants of God, the called, standing in that which He has commended, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, with determination. Diligently and energetically seeking to do God’s will for the sake of those who need to know that there is hope in this present world and speaking thou the things which become sound doctrine, showing ourselves a pattern of good works and in doctrine. Knowing that we should deny all ungodliness and worldly lust by living soberly, holy, righteously, and godly; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Let’s purify, which means to refine, improve, polish, and cultivate ourselves unto God, as a peculiar people, passionate and fervent about good works for the sake of the Kingdom. Keeping in mind today and remembering from this day forth, that it is all about the Kingdom and not about us!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

So let those of us who are spiritually mature and full grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that. Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you. Phil 3:15-21 Amplified Version

When the Lord dropped “there is about to be a shift” in my spirit some months back, I had and still have no idea of the magnitude of this shift or what it would bring, but I do know that it is not a change that I can possibly fathom in the natural or even to a very limited extent, in the spiritual. I can say however, that I see and feel God moving quickly in a direction of change and if I were to use a Cynde vernacular, I’d say, “it’s huge!” To give example of what the subject suggests is in comparison to a street sign warning. It would be one that indicates a change in direction or position ahead on the road that may not be readily apparent or visible and or one indicating any potential conditions requiring special attention. Even though I can’t explain in totality this shift, nor understand it to the fullest, He is moving in a mighty way and moving quickly. We that are spiritual, let us be spiritual still and hear what the Spirit is saying to the church (1 Cor 2:12-13).

I gave thought to how He has given me the words, shifting and transitioning in the past in regards to our situations and circumstances, yet this shift is not of a personal nature in that sense. This shift concerns the entire church, the body of Christ and the direction in which God is affecting and stimulating His people. Now, according to the dictionary, to shift is to move or transfer from one place or position to another or to change in direction or position. Personally, my preference is to change in direction because of what God is speaking to my spirit, and I am anticipating what God is going to bring to fruition not only in our physical churches but in the spiritual church as well.

Even in this passage, Paul tells the Philippians to continue to delight and rejoice yourselves in the Lord, those of you that are in Christ. Also, stay prayerful, focused and watchful. Look out for those who desire to throw you off course and away from what you’ve been taught. Regardless of what things may seem, don’t look back and continue to press forward toward Jesus. Count everything as loss to obtain the privilege of knowing and understanding all that is Christ. Nothing else matters but knowing the excellency of our Saviour. This word again, live and well, comes to us as the children of God. Even though sometimes it seems as if it is too much to bear, we have to remember that it is not about us, it's about the Kingdom. Encouragement, comfort, compassion, understanding, and giving to the necessity of the saints, as well as our brothers and sisters are so important during our walk because we do get discouraged, tired, exhausted, worn out, burned out, drained and disenchanted from the problems, the trials, the situations, and the circumstance of life; our work in the church, stress from the church folk. When I think of the purpose God has for the church, I have to come to myself and I get back on track regardless of what I see or hear in the church or what is going on in the world around me. Our purpose concerning the ministry should not cause us to become weary or weak. The scripture tells us to not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal 6:9). Hold on to God and His word and remain prayerful, always remembering where our hope lies; it is not in man, it’s in God.

At some point, we have to come to terms with the fact that what we do is for God and for the ministry and not man. The scripture tells us in I Corinthians 15:58, “be you steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain.” Only what you do for God is going to last, so continue to stay on course with much fervency, dedication, commitment, and obedience to God. You don’t need to question it, doubt it, or analyze it because when the shift occurs, you’ll want to be a part of what God is doing. Keep in mind, there is a shift ahead, let's be ready.

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:1-10

Last week was a wonderful time for me; it was a time of refreshing and renewal. It’s imperative that we still away often, so that we can be ministered to in order for us to continue being effective depositors of the Word. I’ve been experiencing a refreshing for some time however, I had the opportunity of hearing a word that absolutely knocked me off my feet; a word that makes you feel as if you’re hearing it for the very first time and the pleasure of slowly basking in it. It has caused me to leap to new levels of faith; it made me expectant and eager for even more of God. This word caused me to continually be assured and confident of His presence and favor in my life, as well as remembering that He is not short in His promises to me (Phil 1:6).

Our word for illuminating is leaping; generally, it's known as a symbol and is associated as a sign for joy, happiness, delight or excitement. Leaping can also be defined as increase, rise, soar, or fly. Think of leaping with the hope, the expectancy, and the anticipation of the possibilities of what God can and will perform in our lives according to His plan and purpose. I think of all He has in store for me. Not anyone else, just me. Which reminded me of a song, “What God has for me, it is for me.” Keep in your hearts and minds that God is concerned about you, and everything that concerns you (Psalm 138:8). If you could just believe that Jesus only has to speak a Word to your situation, your circumstance and condition. He can immediately turn everything around in an instant. Certainly, it is not always in our timing, or it might not happen as we think but He always right on time and it is always for our good. We have to walk and rest in knowing that God knows best.

We oftentimes make the word and this walk more complicated that it needs to be. Our ways, our thoughts, and our flesh gets in the way of what God is trying to do in us or through us. Verse 8 has been paraphrased over the years by saying, "this way is so easy that a fool can’t err in it." This is a good analysis, but we simply have to remember that if we stay the course of holiness, we the redeemed, the restored, the kept of the Lord, will then see the provisions that have been made for us. God’s divine grace, as well as His favor will always be our preserver. Without a doubt, we are going to have trials, tribulations, and sufferings, and the scriptures tell us of this. They come to make us stronger and to give testimony to someone along the way, a testimony and the witness of the God we serve. Testimonies, that you don’t have to be lost because a way has already been made and we fulfill the plan of the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

In the passage, Isaiah points out the privileges of being a chosen people and declares a message of hope. God is telling the children of Israel through a prophetic word of a kingdom to come; His plan for their lives is a word for us today as well. We can be strong and encouraged because God’s word comes to give us comfort, peace, joy, strength, and dirction. Regardless of what unexpected circumstances or situations arise, we can be assured of the blessings that the Word gives. If you take time to read the verses of text, you will find that many words express meaning and give visual images of what His word is trying to communicate, i.e., blossoming, blooming, refreshing and cooling, abundant blessings, a springing up, a rejoicing, singing, glory, splendor, strengthening, and certainly joy! Can you visualize each word? These particular words alone are enough to make you leap with expectation of what God desires for each of us and our lives.

It’s time for us as the people of God to begin to see, walk and react in the spirit. Beholding what God is trying to convey to our hearts and the established positioning in Him before we knew who we were. God is trying to do a new thing in us, shall ye not know it? Do you not feel it in the atmosphere? Can you sense an unction in your spirit? We can see clearly the signs of a new day approaching. It’s time out for business as usual, time out for religious traditions and customs that profit us nothing or recognized and set behaviors and attitudes, program after program, and souls are dying physically, emotionally, and spiritually because the people we need to reach are outside the building. It's time out for the way things were and God is showing us that time is of the essence and we should be redeeming that time (Eph 5:14-17; Col 4:5-6). There is a definite shift occurring in the body of Christ and we need to be ready for it.

Today, I have new perspectives on leaping in the natural and spiritual with expectation! I’m expecting the expected! I’m looking for the newness of God in my life so that I can pour out what He is pouring in. I am anticipating what God is doing in the body of Christ and our role in His plan. I want to be ever ready to move, to go and to be what God is calling for in this season. The Word is alive and breathing and speaks to the right now and this should cause us to jump and leap with new hope, new expectations. If we are walking in the ways of holiness, the Lord will not withhold any good thing from us. So, I’ve got one phrase for you today to remember, “Get ready!”

Are you leaping yet?

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. Psalm 63:1-7

On Friday of last week, I found an old Daryl Coley CD and I have been listening to it repeatedly since. Sometimes, hearing God’s Word through song is a consoler for me and comforting beyond measure. His songs minister to the depths of my soul and pull at the very strings of my heart. Oftentimes, there is a place that I want to go and lodge (stay for awhile); away from everything and be in the presence of God. A place where there is peace and joy away from the cares of the world (Ps 16:11).

In this passage, David pens another beautiful psalm, letting us know that we can find shelter in the shadow of God’s wings. A place that is safe; a place where we can go to feel encouraged and strengthened to carry on in spite of any unrest in our spirit, any turmoil, chaos, or confusion. Why? Because, thou art my helper, O God, my covering, and there, I can seek shelter, protection, and warmth in the shadow of your wings, under your arms of protection.

This same covering shields and blocks us from harms way and we can rejoice and take comfort in that fact alone. Being in the shadow of His wings provides a source of relief because He calms, soothes, and protects us. We can take the Lord at His word that He will keep us safe and shield us from what could be worst; the adverse effect that life can bring. Although, there will come trials or sufferings we may not understand and certainly cannot control, He is still yet there, covering and keeping us in a position that offers protection. He works all things for the good of them that love Him and who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

David tells us that God’s lovingkindness is better than life itself and that he was going to bless Him while he yet lives. He also said that he would not only be satisfied and praise Him, but would remember who God is and meditate on Him being his ever present help in times of need.

It doesn’t matter what state of mind we're in or circumstances we are faced with, no matter how the enemy seems to be attacking us on every side, there is a place where we can go to find refuge. In the shadow of thy wings, O God will I rejoice and therefore, while I wait, I will continue to bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name and continue to give You praise (Psalm 34:1)!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Isaiah 61:10-11

I am astounded, on a regular, at the awesomeness of God; at His timing, His precise, thorough, and meticulous way of handling and the revealing of things; not only in what He does, but in what He says and especially, how He shows me in the natural, the spiritual content. It’s so simple that even a fool couldn’t err in it (Is 35:8; for you RWJ). The Lord has such a sense of humor that oftentimes, I have to laugh because of where I’m physically positioned when He drops a word in my spirit. When I thought about how this popular rhyme related to what He was illustrating, it immediately, made perfect sense.

If you know this rhyme, “Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?”, then you know to be contrary is being so different as to be at opposite extremes or dangerously inconsistent. The Lord began revealing to me the latter of the definition and how the actions of many within the church are dangerously inconsistent and spending far too much time being seen praying on their knees, vying for positions and titles, play-acting church and perpetrating a lie; in other words, being undercover Christians; all in the name of Jesus Christ. We cannot say that we are Christ-like with our mouth and let our actions, motives, and intentions, or our purpose and lifestyle display something different. It is a difficult and hard thing to see and process, so much so, that I cannot imagine the thoughts of those who are babes or new converts in Christ, who are seeking God and all of His righteousness. I’m disturbed that those in need of the Saviour, as well as seasoned saints have to deal with those who have need to be seen of men and are quite the opposite of what God is calling for us to be. If we are not striving for the strait way, God’s way, then what is the point if you lose your soul (Luke 13:25)? Be not a hypocrite in the sight of men, or just to be seen of men, for it profits us nothing. It is a not only a stumblingblock for some but a disservice to the ministry of reconciliation of which we have been committed.

So in asking the question today, “how does your garden grow?” Are we planting good seed? If we are planting good seed then what we sow will spring forth. Are we cultivating good soil, and are we tending to its upkeep? Are we nurturing, enriching, and developing our garden so that good fruit springs up? Are you treating your brothers and sisters as Jesus would have us to do with goodness, gentleness, patience, kindness, and love which are some of the fruit we should bear (Gal 5:22) so it causes righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations?

I love verse 10, which says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” My desire is to be constantly and completely clothed and beautified with the garments of salvation and with the robe of righteousness, and to have the sanctification that only the Spirit of God brings. Everything that I represent in Christ will be for His glory and for the beauty of holiness. This is the highest honor that I can give; my offering, my sacrifice of praise to the God of my salvation. It’s not for show and it’s certainly not to be worn or taken lightly.

If we are to win souls for Christ, we must do some examination of self on a daily basis, we’ve got to be sincere in our walk in order that righteousness that is God can and will spring forth in us, which establishes and reveals to others the glory of the God in us. The scripture tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17). It should not be the same old you disguised as a saint of the Most High God because He is not interested in changing your circumstances as He is in the change in you! In other words, let’s possess what we are professing by being thou an example of holiness in word and in deed. Keeping ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:17-23).

In our meditation today, let's examine ourselves and ask "How does my garden grow?"

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

In my animated state of mind, I saw the Word of God as a ninja warrior, completely covered in black with only the eyes revealed. Eyes trained to see in the midst of darkness; agile, in order to move swiftly with skill and control, attacking suddenly and ever so intelligently that you don’t see them when they strike; only the effects (change, results) of them remain and are felt immediately. As I meditated on that, I begin to understand that we are armed and dangerous with the Word of God, the silent assassin.

We are living in a time when need the Wordof God like never before because we are dealing with so much adversity, hardship, suffering, and threats, as well as harmful conditions. The enemy is treacherous and pulling out everything he has to come against the people of God. He is truly a roaring lion, roaming and seeking whom he can overwhelm and consume; killing and destroying anyone that he can because he has no mercy, no compassion, and honestly, he is doing what he has been purposed to do. He has many tactics and devices and loves to surprise attack us from all sides. However, the Word tells us to be steadfast in the faith and that we should not be ignorant to these attacks. We should recognize him coming and counterattack accordingly with the Word, which is living and more powerful than anything the enemy possesses.

He loves to strike and constantly tries to have battle in the mind and in the flesh, but we can also defend that with the Word of God. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 10, it says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” It’s time for us to use the Word in every situation. The word of God persuades, changes, and encourages with power. Jesus gave Satan back the Word of God when he came to him (Matt 4) and prefaced it by saying, “it is written.” We need to know what the Word says because everything we need is written in the Word of God. I have to admit that we don’t know how much power we really possess!! Surely, if it can make the enemy flee, it's able to make the proud, humble and the rebellious, obedient.

The Word is quick, it's alive and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword; cutting powerfully and precisely in all directions. It penetrates the heart, piercing to the different places, and even to the innermost and remote places of the mind, soul and spirit. It not only gives life, but slays and kills when needed. It reaches the very depths of life and in every aspect of it. It can recognize the thoughts and intents of any heart, opening it to expose the thoughts and its intentions and strike accordingly. Like the ninja, the Word completely covers, reveals and sees in the midst of darkness; it moves swiftly with skill and control, attacking suddenly and intelligently when it strikes and only the effects (change, results) of it remains and is felt immediately. We may not see immediate results but the Word accomplishes what it sets out to do (I Cor 3:7).

If we are equipped with the Word of God, and have knowledge and understanding of the Word, we possess the power we need to use it to evoke change not only in our life circumstances, situations and challenges, but also in the life of others. Let’s get that down in our spirit, meditate on the fact that we have been given all we need by way of a weapon for warfare... the Word of God, the silent assassin!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; Deuteronomy 6:10-15

When the Lord dropped this topic in my spirit, I wasn’t grappling with the idea of new wells in the natural sense but more so curious of which direction He was going spiritually. After spending a significant amount of time researching wells, I realized that it wasn’t really about the wells per se, even though in biblical days, men digging wells had specific purposes and meaning, but mainly, it was for the water supply to maintain life. Of course, water being an essential for life … it is the "principal thing necessary for the life of man."

In this passage, Moses is using his persuasion to get the children of Israel to be obedient to the commandments of God. In their obedience, he tells them specifically, how God will bless them. In our obedience to the Lord comes favor, mercy, and grace, and as the scripture so wonderfully stated, “houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not.”

As I meditated on that, I begin to think about my traveling over 2000 miles (thank God not on foot) to a land that I didn’t know; to a city that was unfamiliar without specific details of the how or the why. Yet, never losing sight of the fact (as painful as it was) of why I’m here on this earth and that I’m just sojourning through. Also, how God has made provisions in every area, how He showed me the new wells that sprang up on my behalf to sustain my life. And this as a direct result of living purposely for God, whom I say I love and serve. Like the children of Israel, as the people of God, we oftentimes tend to take our water supply for granted. There is an old phrase that says, “you never miss the water until the well runs dry.” God has no plans to leave us nor forsake us but we must remember that He is the living water, our source of life, our sustainer, the principal thing necessary to maintain our life. Without Him, we can do nothing and without Him, there is no life. Also keeping in mind and remembering not my own selfish gains but pursuing God’s plan for my life while thinking of the people that He has purposed for me to reach wherever He sends me, even if it’s just for one soul.

Simply speaking, the Lord shows us what can happen in our obedience to His Word, to His leading. We shall reap the benefits of our obedience and reverence for God. He will allow us to see the evidence of His love in tangible ways and He has certainly shown Himself faithful to me. The Word tells me that if we give of our ourselves (in any capacity) that is shall be given back to us, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, “shall” men give into our bosoms (Luke 6:38).

I see God allowing new wells of living water to spring up, and additional streams flowing in from all corners of the earth into our lives. We don’t know from where or from whom our blessings will flow. We will begin to see ways being made and doors being opened; being blessed by others and we will begin to see others sowing into our lives because of our obedience to the Lord. I don’t know about you but that excites me to think of how blessings flow because I am in the will of God. David said, the Lord will give grave and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:21

As I begin writing this morning, I begin to remember “the Makings of You” (Morning Love, July 6th 2011). While keeping in mind its content and how God is continuously making, molding and shaping me into the vessel He intends for me to be. I know personally that it’s not easy, especially when we are trying to figure out what God is doing in our life. Sometimes, we assume that we know but in all honesty, we really don’t have an accurate or complete picture. Although this is can be unsettling in itself, again I say, that if we knew all that He was attempting to do in us and through us, it would be too much for us to attain. I’m grateful that the Lord found me worthy enough to be used in any capacity for His service and for His kingdom building. Over the past few months, I’ve come to realize just how joined to the source I am, this source that is God, my love connection.

For all intents and purposes, please know that I am fully aware that I have been connected, unmistakably and beyond a shadow of a doubt, to love. This linkage has existed long before I came to realize it and sustained before I came to except it, but recently, I’ve been thoroughly enlightened by it. I feel as though I could write a book today on the subject of what the love of God and the connection means to me, what it’s shown me and what the love of God has done for me. His mercy, His grace and His favor has been a direct result of my obedience to Him; my submitting wholly to keeping myself in that love. When we keep ourselves in the love of God, and in the confidence and assurance of that love, as well as the eternal life which was purchased for us and given to us through His mercy, we can truly begin to bask in that love with expectation. They tell me that you prosper in a thing when you understand and comprehend it. God has blessed me to grasp some of what He is doing and that motivates me, as well as bring out the best in me. When you come into the awareness and the knowledge of the love of God, you will want to keep yourself in it, learn of it and tell someone how amazing the love of God is in your life.

God has shown Himself faithful, not only in Word, but in deed and He has gently, yet firmly, nudged me even throughout this new journey. Although, naturally, I could not fathom how this could possibly happen, God had already set me up and showed me that nobody could have done this but Me. No one can get the glory but God as I waited patiently for the mercy of God which has kept me (Ephesians 3:13-19). He has shown me how He loves me through every step of this journey. I'm overwhelmed and in awe at His love for me and the bond we share. If has established in me a level of faith that is sometimes hard to explain in words. The love of God dwells in my heart by faith; I am being rooted and grounded in this love and although I may not understand all that He is doing in my life, I know that our love connection helps me stay focused on Him and His word. It has equipped and prepared me to go and do and be what He has purposed for my life. We must remember to guard and keep ourselves in the love of God; expect and wait patiently for the mercy of God, He will bring us to a place in Him and a way of everlasting. I encourage you today to get the love connection!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde